Automatic sprinkler head

ABSTRACT

An automatic sprinkler head adapted to be mounted in a ceiling approximately flush with the ceiling surface including a dishshaped housing member having a water inlet adapted to be attached to a supply pipe, a deflector mounted on the housing opposite the inlet and having a fulcrum thereon opposed to the inlet, a valve disc closing the inlet, a strut holding the disc, a lever holding the strut, a cover closing the housing and having a portion engaging the lever to hold the latter in position, and latch tabs on the cover engaging the housing, at least one of which tabs is separably attached to the cover by fusible material which releases when the ambient temperature reaches a predetermined high value. Four forms are shown.

[ Jan.'8, 1974 AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER HEAD 3,727,695 4/1973 Danton 169/42 X [75] Inventors: Keith M. Dix, Des Plaines; Bert Bonbrake, Jr., Argo, both of 111. 'f

Assistant ExamznerMichael Y. Mar [73] Assignee: Fire Protection Company, Chicago, Attorney-Emest A. Wegner et al.

ill.

22 Filed: Apr. 2, 1973 [57] ABSTRACT An automatic sprinkler head adapted to be mounted [211 App! 346760 in a ceiling approximately flush with the ceiling sur- Related US. Application Data face including a dish-shaped housing member having a [63] Continuation-impart of Ser. No. 205,224, Dec. 6, Water inlet adapted be attached to a supply P a 1971, b d d, deflector mounted on the housing opposite the inlet and having a fulcrum thereon opposed to the inlet, a [52] U.S. CL; 169/40, 169/42 valve disc closing the inlet, a strut holding the disc, a [51 Int. Cl. A62c 37/08 lever holding the Strut. a Cover Closing the housing and 58 Field of Search 169/37, 38, 40, 42, having a portion engaging the lever to hold the latter 1 9/39 2 in position, and latch tabs on the cover engaging the housing, at least one of which tabs is separably at- [5 6] References Cit d tached to the cover by fusible material which releases UNITED STATES PATENTS when the ambient temperature reaches a predeter- 3,393,746 7/1968 Hodnett 169/41 mmed hlgh value Four forms are Shown 3,633,676 l/l972 Gloekler 169/40 30 Claims, 10 Drawing Figures m 16 s i AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER HEAD This application is a continuation-in-part of our prior copending application Ser. No. 205,224, filed Dec. 6, 1971 now abandoned.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an automatic sprinkler head adapted to be recessed in an aperture in a wall such as a ceiling with the outer extremity of the apparatus approximately flush with the ceiling surface in order to provide a pleasing appearance, in contrast to arrangements in which the sprinkler heads extend outside the ceiling surface in an array which may be undesirable under some circumstances. Sprinkler heads usually embody an appropriately directed water conduit and a deflector opposite the conduit for spreading the Water spout to provide a spray which falls over a considerably larger area than the area of the conduit. In the past, there have been recessed overhead sprinklers, but in order to provide an installation where the structure is recessed into the ceiling, and also provide an arrangement where the deflector can adequately perform its function of spreading the water, it has often been regarded as necessary to provide a retractable deflector which normally is held in retracted position when the sprinkler is not in operation and released for movement to an extended position in event of fire. For example, such arrangements are illustrated in US. Pat. Tyden No. 2,389,332, Grimes No. 2,732,018 and Werner No. 3,198,258.

Other arrangements have utilized fixed deflectors as shown for example in U.S Pat. Hodgman No. 3,130,790 and I-lodnett No. 3,393,746, but in the former there is no complete cover. In the latter, there is a cover, but one fusible connection is provided for releasing the cover and a separate fusible connection is provided for releasing the valve closure, and this could conceivably result in delayed operation of the water release valve.

It would be desirable to provide an automatic flush mounted head with a fixed deflector, a complete cover and a single release mechanism for the cover and the water release valve.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION The present invention provides an improved recess sprinkler head with a stationary deflector, a complete cover which is approximately flush with the bottom surface of a ceiling in which the apparatus is recessed, and a fusible coupling for simultaneously releasing the cover and the valve closure.

More particularly, the sprinkler head includes a dishshaped housing having a centrally disposed water inlet conduit adapted to be attached to a supply pipe, a fulcrum on the housing opposite the inlet conduit, a valve closure positionable to close the inlet conduit, a strut engaging the valve closure, a lever engaging the fulcrum and the strut, a cover holding the lever in position, and heat sensitive means acting between the cover and the housing for holding the cover in position for release when the ambient temperature exceeds a predetermined value.

The housing includes inwardly extending flange means, and the cover is held in position by tabs engaging the flange means. At least one of the tabs is secured to the cover by heat fusible means adapted to release the cover in event of high temperature.

The flange means may be integral with the housing or provided by a snap ring positioned in an interior annular groove.

In one form of the device, the fulcrum is in the form of a screw-threaded member which is adjustable to set the valve closure force of the strut, and the'cover has a central aperture permitting access to adjust the fulcrum. I

In other forms of the device the fulcrum is carried b a U-shaped member having upper ends positioned in external lugs on the housing adapted to be upset to grip the support after proper pressure is applied to the valve closure member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view through one form of a sprinkler head embodying the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view through the sprinkler head illustrated in FIG. 1, taken at about the line 2-2;

FIG. 3 is a transverse sectional view taken at about the line 3-3 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view through a second embodiment of a sprinkler head embodying the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view through a third embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view taken at about the line 6-6 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a transverse sectional view taken at about the line 7 7 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a transverse sectional view taken at about the line 8-8 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 9 is a longitudinal sectional view through a fourth embodiment; and

FIG. 10 is a transverse elevational view, partly in section, taken at about the line 10-10 of FIG. 9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT OF FIGS. 1-3

Referring to the drawings in more detail, the sprinkler head illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 is adapted to be mounted in a recessed position in an aperture 10 in a ceiling 12. The sprinkler head includes a housing 14 of somewhat conical configuration having a coaxially disposed integral water inlet conduit 15 which is externally threaded for connection with a water supply pipe 16 which supports the sprinkler head. In order to facilitate mounting of the housing 14, it is formed with a plurality of external lugs as at 18, four as illustrated at angularly spaced positions. The lugs have a generally rectangular configuration and are adapted to receive a wrench of tubular configuration with axial recesses in one end, of the type illustrated in US. Pat. No. 2,389,333. The wrench is adapted to fit into the aperture 10 in the ceiling and engage the lugs 18 which extend radially outwardly beyond the lower terminus of the housing 14.

A suitable water deflector is provided at 20. In an overhead sprinkler, the deflector is often annular and as illustrated, annular deflector 28 has a central hub 21 which is secured on a U-shaped support 23 having upwardly extending ends 24 which are positioned in external mounting lugs 26 on the outside of the housing 14. The housing and the lugs are made of appropriate metal, such as aluminum, which permits deformation of the lugs 26 to grip the ends of the support 23 to hold the support in proper position. The deflector 20 is positioned in the path of the flow of water from the conduit and is somewhat conically shaped to spread the water into a spray covering a relatively large area.

The inlet conduit 15 terminates in a valve seat 30, and the conduit is adapted to be closed by a valve closure disc 32 positionable on the valve seat 30. The valve closure disc 32 is adapted to be held in position by a valve closure linkage which reacts against a pointed fulcrum at 34 on the deflector hub 21, disposed opposite the valve seat 30.

The valve closure linkage for holding the disc 32 in closed position includes a generally upright though slightly inclined strut 36 having one end engaging a complementary recess in the outer surface of the valve disc 32. At the other end, the strut 36 engages a lever 38, which includes an end portion pivotally engaging the fulcrum 34, an intermediate portion engaging the strut 36, and an end portion 39 adapted to be held in position by a cover 40.

In order to provide for retention of the cover 40 in position holding the valve closure linkage, the housing 14 is formed with a lower terminus 42 of generally cylindrical configuration having an interior annular groove 43 adapted to receive a snap ring 45 having a gap at 46 between the adjacent end portions which are adapted to be moved relative to each other. The cover 40 is generally circular and disposed beneath the snap ring 45, but the cover includes a tab 47 at one side positioned in the gap 46 between the ends of the snap ring and also positioned in the groove 43 in the housing. Diametrically opposite the tab 47, the cover member 40 includes a tab 48 which is latched behind the snap ring 45. The tab 48 is secured to the inner surface of the cover member 40 by suitable fusible material adapted to melt at a predetermined high temperature so that the tab 48 separates from the cover.

In assembling the valve closure linkage, the valve closure disc is positioned in valve closure position (with the housing inverted), the strut 36 is positioned, and the lever 38 is positioned and supported by Contact of intermediate portion 38a with the housing 14. The U- shaped support 23 is then positioned with the end portions 24 in in the lugs 26 and with the fulcrum 34 engaging the lever 38. Next, the cover member 40 is positioned with the tab 47 in the groove 43, following which the snap ring 45 is positioned in the groove 43 with the snap ring retaining the cover tab 48, and with the tab 47 in the gap 46 of the snap ring. In order to apply appropriate holding force against thevalve closure disc, a suitable plunger is inserted through a central aperture 50 in the Cover 40 to force the U-shaped support 23 toward the valve closure disc in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 1. This has the effect of applying force through the fulcrum 34 to the lever 38 so that intermediate portion 38a is moved away from the housing and the end 39 of the lever is forced against the cover 40 adjacent the tab 47. While appropriate force is applied to support 23 and held, the lugs 26 are deformed by pinching opposite sides to grasp the ends 24 of the support 23.

In operation, when the ambient temperature exceeds a predetermined value which results in melting the fusible material holding the tab 48, the cover 40 is released, falling away from the housing. This releases the lever 38 which in turn releases the strut 36 and the valve closure disc 32 so that the conduit 15 discharges water.

In order to appropriately close the ceiling aperture 10 and provide a neat appearance, the lower terminus 42 of the housing is externally threaded to receive an annular escutcheon 52 which has an outwardly extending annular flange 53 adapted to engage the lower surface of the ceiling 12.

It will be understood that the construction described provides for mounting of a pendant sprinkler head in a recessed position in a ceiling, with a stationary deflector which does not project significantly below the lower surface of the ceiling, and with a complete cover which is approximately flush with the surface of the ceiling in order to provide a neat appearance, in an arrangement with a single fusible coupling for simultaneously releasing the cover and the valve closure. At the same time, the valve closure linkage including the cover and the fusibly coupled tab, has the capacity for applying adequate force for maintaining the valve closure disc tightly seated against the water inlet conduit to prevent leakage even though the disc is constantly subjected to substantial force of water pressure in the supply pipe.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT OF FIG. 4

The sprinkler head of FIG. 4 includes a housing 60 of generally conical configuration having a centrally disposed integral water inlet conduit 61 which is externally threaded for connection with a water supply pipe which supports the sprinkler head. Preferably, the housing is formed with external wrench lugs as at 62 which permit application of a wrench for turning the housing to threadably mount the conduit 61 in the supp y p p An annular water deflector 64 is secured in position in the housing 60 opposite the conduit 61 by means of a plurality of strut or brace members, one of which is visible at 65, having upper ends rigidly mounted in the housing and lower ends rigidly mounted in the deflector. The deflector is positioned in the path of water from the conduit 15 to spread the water into a spray covering a relatively large area.

The deflector is formed with a central hub carrying a threadably mounted screw 67 which terminates in a pointed end providing a fulcrum disposed opposite the inlet conduit 61. The latter terminates in a valve seat 69 adapted to be closed by a valve disc 70. The disc is adapted to be held in position by a valve closure linkage which reacts against the adjustable fulcrum screw 67.

The valve closure linkage for holding the disc 70 in closed position includes a generally upright strut 72 having one end engaging a complementary recess in the outer surface of the valve disc 70. At the other end, the strut 72 engages a lever 74, which includes an end portion pivotally engaging the fulcrum 67, an intermediate portion engaging the lower end of strut 72, and a distal end portion 75, adapted to be held in position by a cover 77.

In order to provide for retention of the cover 77 in a position holding the valve closure linkage, the housing 60 is formed at the lower end with an integral inwardly extending annular flange 78 having a single recess at 79. The cover 77 is generally circular, and includes tab 80 at one side latched above the annular flange 78. Diametrically opposite the tab 80, the cover member 77 includes a tab 82 which is also latched behind the annular flange 78. The tab 82 is secured to the inner surface of the cover member 77 by suitable fusible material adapted to melt at a predetermined high temperature so that the tab 82 separates from the cover.

In assembling the valve closure linkage, the housing 60 is inverted, the valve closure disc 71) is positioned in closed position, the strut is positioned on the valve disc, and the lever is positioned in contact with the fulcrum 67 and the strut 72. Following this, the cover 77 is positioned to contact lever end 75, with latch tab 80 behind the flange 78, and the latch tab 82 in the flange recess 79. After the tab 82 passes through the recess 79 in the flange 78, the cover may be turned sufficiently that the tab 82 is latched behind the flange.

In order to apply appropriate holding force against the valve closure disc to maintain the disc in water-tight sealing relationship to the valve seat, a screw driver or like too] may be inserted through a central aperture 84 in the cover 77, to turn'the threaded screw 67 so that the fulcrum moves toward the valve closure disc. This has the effect of applying force through the fulcrum to the lever so that the lever end 75 reacts against the cover 77.

In operation, when the ambient temperature exceeds a predetermined high value which results in melting the fusible material holding the tab 82, the cover is released and falls away from the housing. As a result, the lever 75 and the strut 72 fall away, and the disc 70 is forced off the valve seat by the water pressure, so that the water is discharged against the deflector 64.

Ceiling aperture 36 is closed by an annular escutcheon 88 threadably mounted on the outside of the lower portion of housing 60. The escutcheon includes an outwardly extending flange 89 engaging the lower surface of the ceiling 90.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT OF FIGS. 5-8

The sprinkler head of FIGS. 5-8 includes a generally conical housing 100 having a centrally disposed integral water inlet conduit 101 threaded externally for connection with a water supply pipe as at 132. Preferably, the housing 100 is formed With external wrench lugs 104 which permit application ofa wrench for turning the housing to threadably mount the conduit 101 in the pipe 102.

An annular water deflector 106 has a central hub 107 which is secured on a U-shaped support 1118 having upwardly extending legs 1111 which are positioned in ex- The valve closure linkage for holding the disc 116 in closed position includes a strut 1211 having an upper end engaging a complementary recess in the outer surface of the valve disc 116. At the lower end, the strut 120 engages a lever 122. The lever includes an end portion pivotally engaging the fulcrum 118, an adjacent intermediate portion engaging the strut 12th, and an end portion 123 adapted to be held in position by a cover 125.

In order to provide for retention of the cover 125 in a position holding the valve closure linkage, the housing 101) is formed with a lower terminus 127 of generally cylindrical configuration. As best seen in FIG. 8,

ternal mounting bosses 111 on the outside of the housing 100. The housing and the lugs are made of appropriate material, such as aluminum, to permit deformation of the lugs 111 to grip the ends 110 of the support 108 to hold the support in assembled position. The deflector 106 is positioned in the path of the flow of water from the conduit 101 and is somewhat conically shaped to spread the water into a spray covering a relatively large area.

The inlet conduit 101 terminates in a valve seat 115, and the conduit is adapted to be closed by a valve closure disc 116 positionable on the seat 115. The valve closure disc is held in position by a valve closure linkage which reacts against a pointed fulcrum at 118 on the deflector hub 107, disposed opposite the valve seat 115.

the interior of the cylindrical terminus 127 is formed'at diametrically opposite positions with a pair of recesses as at 128 and 129. The cover is generally circular and of dish-shaped configuration. The upper terminus of the cover is disposed within the cylindrical extension 127. At diametrically opposite positions on the cover 125, it is formed with radially extending tabs as at 131 and 132, respectively, adapted to engage the recesses 128 and 129 in the cylindrical extension 127. As best seen in FIG. 5, the tab 131 rests on a flange 135 at the bottom of the recess 128, and the tab 132 rests upon a flange 136 at the bottom of recess 129.

In order to provide for release of the valve closure linkage in event of excessive temperatures, the latch tab 132 is formed as part of a plate 138 secured to the inner surface of the cover 125 by suitable fusible material adapted to melt at a predetermined high tempera ture so that plate 133 separates from the cover 125, whereupon the cover 125 and the plate 138 fall out of position, releasing the lever 122. In order to facilitate proper location of the plate 138 on the cover 125, the cover is formed with a circular aperture 139 adapted to receive a protruding knob 140 on the plate 138. Additionally, the edge of the plate 138 is beveled as at 142 adjacent the tab 132. The bevel 142 fits a peripheral flange 143 on the cover 125. Thus, when the knob 140 is located in the aperture 139 and the bevel 142 on the plate fits the flange 143 on the cover, the tab 132 is positioned diametrically opposite the tab 131. The interior of the knob 140 on the plate 138 provides a recess for receiving the end 123 of the lever 122.

In order to facilitate assembly of the cover plate while also permitting it to function as a retention means for holding the valve closure linkage, it should be noted that the tab 131 extends radially only partially into the recess 123, leaving a radial clearance denoted at 145 in FIG. 5. The radial extent of the clearance 145 corresponds approximately with the overlap of the tab 132 on the flange 136. Thus, if the cover is shifted laterally to the left as viewed in FIGS. 5 and 8, the tab 132 may clear the flange 136 to facilitate insertion of the cover into the position illustrated in F16. 5.

In assembling the complete mechanism, the valve closure disc 116 is preferably positioned in valve closure position, with the housing inverted. Next, the strut 120 is positioned in contact with the valve closure disc, following which the lever 122 n1ay be positioned to engage the end of the strut 129. Then the U-shaped support 108 is positioned with the end portions 1111 in the bosses 111 and with the fulcrum 118 engaging the lever 122. Now, the cover member 125 with plate 138 at tached is manipulated to position the tabs 131 and 132 behind the flanges 135 and 136, with the lever end 123 positioned in the recess at 14%. in order to apply appropriate holding force against the valve closure disc, a suitable plunger is inserted through a central aperture 147 in the cover 125 to force the U-shaped support 108 toward the valve closure disc. This has the effect of applying force through the fulcrum 118 to bias the lever end 123 against the plate 138. While appropriate force is applied and held, the bosses 111 are deformed by pinching opposite sides in a manner to grasp the ends 110 of the support 108.

In operation, when the ambient temperature exceeds a predetermined value which results in melting the fusible material holding the plate 138 on the cover 125,

the cover and the plate separate and fall away from the housing. This releases the lever 122 which in turn releases the strut 120 and the valve closure disc 116 so that water may flow from the conduit 101. The end 123 of the lever 122 ispositioned to act directly against the separable tab plate 138 at a position spaced radially inwardly from the tab 132 so as to apply a significant moment arm tending to separate the plate 138 from the cover 125. The force of the lever end 123 in the area of the overlap of the plate 138 on the cover 125 also tends to pivot the cover about the tab 131. Thus, when the fusible material melts, the lever acts directly at the place where the two parts separate.

In order to appropriatelyclose the aperture as at 149 in which the sprinkler head is mounted, an annular escutcheon 150 includes prongs 152 adapted to yieldably fit the lugs 104 on the housing 100 while an outer periphery 153 engages the surface of the ceiling around the aperture 149.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT OF FIGS. 9-10 In order to simplify the description of FIGS. 9 and 10, the parts therein which are similar to corresponding parts in FIGS. -8 are designated by similar reference numbers bearing a prime suffix. In FIGS. 9 and 10, the sprinkler head includes a housing 100 which is generally conically shaped as illustrated. However, as in the other embodiments, the housing is not intended to function in connection with direction of water and may be skeletal if desired in order to reduce material, for example. The housing has a centrally disposed integral water inlet conduit 101 threaded externally for connection with a water supply pipe as at 102'. Externally, the housing includes wrench lugs as at 104' which facilitate application of a suitable wrench for turning the housing to threadably mount the conduit 101 in the pipe 102'.

An annular water deflector 1G6 has a central hub 107' which is secured on a U shaped support 108 having parallel legs as at 110 positionable in external mounting bosses on the outside of the housing as described in connection with the embodiment of FIGS. 5-8. The housing and the lugs are made of appropriate material, such as aluminum or bronze, which permits deformation of the lugs to grip the ends of the legs of the support 108 to hold the support in assembled position.

The inlet conduit 101' terminates in a valve seat 115, and the conduit is adapted to be closed by a closure disc 116' positionable on the valve seat. The valve closure disc is held in position by a linkage which reacts against a knife edge fulcrum at 118' on the deflector hub opposite the valve seat.

The valve closure linkage for holding the disc 116 in closed position includes a strut120 having an upper end engaging a complementary seat in the outer surface of the valve disc. At the opposite end, strut 120' engages a lever 122 which may be constructed of resiliently yieldable material. The lever includes an end portion engaging the fulcrum 118, an adjacent intermediate portion engagingthe strut 120', and an end portion adapted to be held in position by a cover 125'.

In order to provide for retention of the cover 125' in a position holding the closure disc 116 in the position illustrated, the housing 100 is formed with a lower terminus 127 of generally cylindrical configuration. The interior of the cylindrical terminus 127 is formed at diametrically opposite positions with a pair of recesses as at 128' and 129'. The cover 125' has a generally circular dish-shaped configuration with an upper terminus disposed within the cylindrical extension 127 At diametrically opposite positions, the cover 125 is held by radially extending tabs as at 131 and 132' respectively adapted to engage the recesses 128' and 129. As seen in FIG. 9, the tab 131' rests upon a flange 135' at the bottom of the recess 128' and the tab 132' rests upon a flange 136 at the bottom of the recess 129. The tab 131' is integral with the cover 125'.

In order to provide for release of the valve closure linkage in event of excessive temperatures, the latch tab 142 is formed at one end of a lever having an intermediate portion engaging the outer surface of the cover 125 and an opposite end fusibly connected to a central portion of the cover 125' in a manner to release the cover at a predetermined high temperature so that the lever 160 separates from the cover 125' whereupon the cover and the valve closure linkage fall out of position to release the closure disc 116'. In order to facilitate proper location of the lever 160 on the cover 125', the cover is formed with a dimple 161 having an aperture for receiving the end 123' of lever 122, and the dimple 161 is positionable in an aperture 162 in the lever 160. Additionally, the lever 160 is angularly bent at 164 adjacent the tab 132' in a manner such that the lever fits a peripheral flange 143 on the cover 125. Thus, when the dimple 161 is positioned in the lever aperture 162, and the bend 164 in the lever fits the flange 143', the tab 132' is positioned diametrically opposite the tab 131'.

In order to hold the lever 160 in position against the cover, the end of the lever remote from the tab 132' is slotted at 166 to embrace the reduced central portion 167 on a small spool 168 held by fusible material 169, such a solder, against the bottom of a pin 170 inserted in a central portion of the cover 125'. The pin 170 is thermally insulated from the cover 125 by means of a heat insulating collar 172 on the stern of the pin 170 so that the ambient heat reaching the solder 169 is not dissipated through the cover 125. In order to collect ambient heat, a disc 173 may be mounted on the outer end of the spool 168 in a manner to transmit heat to the fusible joint 169.

In order to facilitate assembly of the cover on the housing, the tab 131' extends radially only partially into the recess 128', leaving a radial clearance denoted at 145' in FIG. 9. The radial extent of the clearance 145' corresponds approximately with the overlap of the tab 132' on the flange 136'. Thus, if the cover 125' is shifted laterally to the left as viewed in F168. 9 and 10,

the tab 132' may clear the flange 136 to permit insertion of the cover into the position illustrated. in assembling the sprinkler head, the housing is preferably inverted, and the closure disc 116 is positioned on the valve seat. Next, the strut 120 is positioned on the valve closure disc, and the lever 122 is positioned to engage the end of the strut. Then the U-shaped support 108' is positioned with the legs 110 in the bosses provided in the housing, and with the fulcrum 118' engaging the lever 122. Now, the cover 125', with the lever 160 attached, is manipulated to position the tabs 131' and 132 behind the flanges 135' and 136', with the lever end 123 positioned in the dimple 161. In order to apply appropriate holding force against the valve closure disc, the legs 110 of the U-shaped deflector support 108 are initially made with excess length to protrude completely through the housing so that free ends are accessible to be gripped and pulled to apply appropriate valve closure force, whereupon the housing bosses are deformed to grip the legs 110'. After this, the excess length of the legs 110 may be severed so as to leave little or no protrusion outside the housmg.

During assembly, the force applied to the fulcrum 118' biases the lever end 123 against the cover 125. After the sprinkler head is installed, if the ambient temperature exceeds a predetermined value which results in melting the fusible material 169, the spool 169 falls away, releasing the lever 160. The force of the lever 122 causes the lever 160 and the cover 125' to fall away, releasing the valve closure linkage.

In order to appropriately close the aperture at 149' in which the sprinkler head is mounted, an annular escutcheon 150 includes resiliently yieldable prongs 152' adapted to releasably-fit the Wrench lugs 104 on the housing run while an outer periphery 153 engages the surface of the ceiling or other wall opening around the aperture 149.

While the invention has been illustrated in connection with sprinkler heads which are shown as mounted in overhead ceilings, it should be understood that the invention may also be utilized in sprinkler heads mounted in side walls where the conduit 101 would be horizontally disposed to direct the fire extinguishing fluid against an appropriate deflector for dispersing spray in a desired pattern.

We claim:

1. A sprinkler head, comprising,

a. a housing having a fluid inlet adapted to be attached to a supply pipe,

b. a valve closure member positionable to close the inlet,

0. a fulcrum mounted on the housing opposite the inlet,

d. a strut engaging the valve closure member to hold the member in closed position,

e. a lever engaging the fulcrum and the strut to hold the strut,

f. a cover on the housing holding the lever in position,

and

g. heat sensitive means acting between the cover and the housing for holding the cover in position when the ambient temperature is less than a predeten mined value and for releasing the cover when the ambient temperature exceeds said predetermined value.

2. A sprinkler head as defined in claim 1, including means mounting the fulcrum for adjustment toward and away from the inlet to increase the valve closure effect of the strut.

3. A sprinkler head as defined in claim 2, wherein the cover has a central aperture permitting access to adjust the fulcrum.

4. A sprinkler head as defined in claim 1, including a deflector mounted on the housing and disposed opposite the inlet.

5. A sprinkler head as defined in claim 1, wherein the housing includes inwardly directed flange means and the heat sensitive means includes latch means engaging the flange means and the cover for holding the cover in position.

6. A sprinkler head as defined in claim 5, wherein the latch means includes at least one tab secured to the cover by heat-fusible material separable from the cover when the ambient temperature exceeds said predetermined value.

7. A sprinkler head as defined in claim 5, wherein the latch means includes a lever arm having one end engaging the flange means, an intermediate portion engaging the cover, and an opposite end fusibly connected to the cover.

8. A sprinkler head as defined in claim 5, wherein the inwardly directed flange means on the housing is integral with the housing.

9. A sprinkler head as defined in claim 5, wherein the inwardly directed flange means on the housing includes an interior annular groove having an inwardly directed snap ring disposed in the groove.

10. A sprinkler head as defined in claim ll, including a U-shaped support carrying the fulcrum and having opposite ends positioned in external lugs on the housing which are deformable to anchor the support.

11. A sprinkler head as defined in claim 10, wherein the cover includes a central aperture permitting insertion of a plunger for forcing the U-shaped support toward the inlet to increase the valve closure effect of the strut before deformation of the external lugs.

12. A sprinkler head as defined in claim 1, including external lugs on the housing for receiving a wrench to attach the housing to the supply pipe.

13. A sprinkler head as defined in claim 1, wherein the housing includes an externally threaded terminus d. a fulcrum on the deflector opposite the inlet conduit,

e. a strut engaging the valve disc to hold the disc in closed position,

f. a lever having one end pivotal on the fulcrum and an intermediate portion engaging the strut to hold the strut in position,

g. a cover closing the housing and having a portion acting against the opposite end of the lever to hold the lever in position,

h. latch means engaging the cover and the housing to hold the cover in closed position, and

i. fusible means connecting the latch means to the cover to separate from the cover in the event of a predetermined high ambient temperature.

15. A sprinkler head as defined in claim 14, wherein the fulcrum comprises a threadable member adjustable in the deflector toward the inlet to increase the valve closure effect of the strut, and the cover has a central aperture permitting access to adjust the fulcrum.

16. A sprinkler head as defined in claim 14, wherein the housing includes inwardly directed flange means and the latch means comprises tabs latched behind the flange means, at least one of which is secured to the cover by heat-fusible material separable from the cover in event of said predetermined high ambient temperature.

17. A sprinkler head as defined in claim 16, wherein said opposite end of the lever acts against the cover remote from the separable tab.

18. A sprinkler head as defined in claim 16, wherein said opposite end of the lever acts against the cover adjacent the separable tab.

19. A sprinkler head as defined in claim 16, wherein the separable tab is secured to the inner surface of the cover and said opposite end of the lever engages the separable tab.

20. A sprinkler head as defined in claim 16, wherein the housing includes inwardly directed flange means and the latch means includes a tab engaging said flange means, and a lever arm having one end engaging the flange means, an intermediate portion engaging the cover, and an opposite end fusibly connected to the cover.

21. A sprinkler head as defined in claim 14, including a U-shaped support carrying the fulcrum and having opposite ends positioned in external lugs on the housing which are deformable to anchor the support, and a central aperture in the cover permitting insertion of a plunger for forcing the support toward the inlet to increase the valve closure effect of the strut before deformation of the external lugs.

22. A sprinkler head as defined in claim 14, including an interior annular groove in the housing and a snap ring in the groove providing inwardly directed annular flange means on the housing engaging the latch means on the cover.

23. A sprinkler head as defined in claim 22, including a gap in the snap ring, a tab on the cover secured in the groove in the housing through the gap in the snap ring,

a tab on the cover latched behind the snap ring and heat-fusible material securing at least one tab to the cover to separate from the cover in event of said predetermined high ambient temperature.

24. A sprinkler head as defined in claim 14, including an externally threaded terminus on the housing, and a flanged escutcheon on the terminus for closing an aperture in the surface receiving the head.

25. An automatic sprinkler head adapted to be recessed in an aperture approximately flush with a surface around the aperture, comprising,

a. a dish-shaped housing having a centrally disposed water inlet conduit adapted to be attached to a supp y p p b. a water deflector fixedly mounted on the housing and disposed opposite the inlet adjacent the level of the lower extremity of the housing,

c. a valve closure disc positionable to close the conduit,

d. a cover closing the housing,

e. a valve closure linkage engaging the disc and held by the cover, and

f. heat sensitive means acting between the cover and the housing for holding the cover in position when the ambient temperature is less than a predetermined value and for releasing the cover when the ambient temperature exceeds said predetermined value.

26. A sprinkler head as defined in claim 25, wherein the deflector is generally circular.

27. A sprinkler head as defined in claim 25, wherein the cover includes a tab engaging the housing, and the heat-sensitive means includes a lever arm having one end engaging the housing, an intermediate portion engaging the cover, and an opposite end having a fusible connection to a central portion of the cover.

28. A sprinkler head as defined in claim 27, wherein the fusible connection includes a pin in the cover and fusible material connecting the pin and the lever end.

29. A sprinkler head as defined in claim 28, including means thermally insulating the pin from the cover to prevent heat transfer from the fusible connection to the cover.

30. A sprinkler head as defined in claim 27, including a heat gathering disc conductively attached to the fusible connection. 

1. A sprinkler head, comprising, a. a housing having a fluid inlet adapted to be attached to a supply pipe, b. a valve closure member positionable to close the inlet, c. a fulcrum mounted on the housing opposite the inlet, d. a strut engaging the valve closure member to hold the member in closed position, e. a lever engaging the fulcrum and the strut to hold the strut, f. a cover on the housing holding the lever in position, and g. heat sensitive means acting between the cover and the housing for holding the cover in position when the ambient temperature is less than a predetermined value and for releasing the cover when the ambient temperature exceeds said predetermined value.
 2. A sprinkler head as defined in claim 1, including means mounting the fulcrum for adjustment toward and away from the inlet to increase the valve closure effect of the strut.
 3. A sprinkler head as defined in claim 2, wherein the cover Has a central aperture permitting access to adjust the fulcrum.
 4. A sprinkler head as defined in claim 1, including a deflector mounted on the housing and disposed opposite the inlet.
 5. A sprinkler head as defined in claim 1, wherein the housing includes inwardly directed flange means and the heat sensitive means includes latch means engaging the flange means and the cover for holding the cover in position.
 6. A sprinkler head as defined in claim 5, wherein the latch means includes at least one tab secured to the cover by heat-fusible material separable from the cover when the ambient temperature exceeds said predetermined value.
 7. A sprinkler head as defined in claim 5, wherein the latch means includes a lever arm having one end engaging the flange means, an intermediate portion engaging the cover, and an opposite end fusibly connected to the cover.
 8. A sprinkler head as defined in claim 5, wherein the inwardly directed flange means on the housing is integral with the housing.
 9. A sprinkler head as defined in claim 5, wherein the inwardly directed flange means on the housing includes an interior annular groove having an inwardly directed snap ring disposed in the groove.
 10. A sprinkler head as defined in claim 1, including a U-shaped support carrying the fulcrum and having opposite ends positioned in external lugs on the housing which are deformable to anchor the support.
 11. A sprinkler head as defined in claim 10, wherein the cover includes a central aperture permitting insertion of a plunger for forcing the U-shaped support toward the inlet to increase the valve closure effect of the strut before deformation of the external lugs.
 12. A sprinkler head as defined in claim 1, including external lugs on the housing for receiving a wrench to attach the housing to the supply pipe.
 13. A sprinkler head as defined in claim 1, wherein the housing includes an externally threaded terminus for receiving a flanged escutcheon.
 14. An automatic sprinkler head adapted to be mounted in an aperture approximately flush with a surface surrounding the aperture, comprising, a. an inverted dish-shaped housing having a centrally disposed water inlet conduit adapted to be attached to a supply pipe, b. a water deflector mounted on the housing and disposed opposite the inlet, c. a valve closure disc positionable to close the conduit, d. a fulcrum on the deflector opposite the inlet conduit, e. a strut engaging the valve disc to hold the disc in closed position, f. a lever having one end pivotal on the fulcrum and an intermediate portion engaging the strut to hold the strut in position, g. a cover closing the housing and having a portion acting against the opposite end of the lever to hold the lever in position, h. latch means engaging the cover and the housing to hold the cover in closed position, and i. fusible means connecting the latch means to the cover to separate from the cover in the event of a predetermined high ambient temperature.
 15. A sprinkler head as defined in claim 14, wherein the fulcrum comprises a threadable member adjustable in the deflector toward the inlet to increase the valve closure effect of the strut, and the cover has a central aperture permitting access to adjust the fulcrum.
 16. A sprinkler head as defined in claim 14, wherein the housing includes inwardly directed flange means and the latch means comprises tabs latched behind the flange means, at least one of which is secured to the cover by heat-fusible material separable from the cover in event of said predetermined high ambient temperature.
 17. A sprinkler head as defined in claim 16, wherein said opposite end of the lever acts against the cover remote from the separable tab.
 18. A sprinkler head as defined in claim 16, wherein said opposite end of the lever acts against the cover adjacent the separable tab.
 19. A sprinkler head as defined in claim 16, wherein the separable tab is secured to the inner surface of The cover and said opposite end of the lever engages the separable tab.
 20. A sprinkler head as defined in claim 16, wherein the housing includes inwardly directed flange means and the latch means includes a tab engaging said flange means, and a lever arm having one end engaging the flange means, an intermediate portion engaging the cover, and an opposite end fusibly connected to the cover.
 21. A sprinkler head as defined in claim 14, including a U-shaped support carrying the fulcrum and having opposite ends positioned in external lugs on the housing which are deformable to anchor the support, and a central aperture in the cover permitting insertion of a plunger for forcing the support toward the inlet to increase the valve closure effect of the strut before deformation of the external lugs.
 22. A sprinkler head as defined in claim 14, including an interior annular groove in the housing and a snap ring in the groove providing inwardly directed annular flange means on the housing engaging the latch means on the cover.
 23. A sprinkler head as defined in claim 22, including a gap in the snap ring, a tab on the cover secured in the groove in the housing through the gap in the snap ring, a tab on the cover latched behind the snap ring and heat-fusible material securing at least one tab to the cover to separate from the cover in event of said predetermined high ambient temperature.
 24. A sprinkler head as defined in claim 14, including an externally threaded terminus on the housing, and a flanged escutcheon on the terminus for closing an aperture in the surface receiving the head.
 25. An automatic sprinkler head adapted to be recessed in an aperture approximately flush with a surface around the aperture, comprising, a. a dish-shaped housing having a centrally disposed water inlet conduit adapted to be attached to a supply pipe, b. a water deflector fixedly mounted on the housing and disposed opposite the inlet adjacent the level of the lower extremity of the housing, c. a valve closure disc positionable to close the conduit, d. a cover closing the housing, e. a valve closure linkage engaging the disc and held by the cover, and f. heat sensitive means acting between the cover and the housing for holding the cover in position when the ambient temperature is less than a predetermined value and for releasing the cover when the ambient temperature exceeds said predetermined value.
 26. A sprinkler head as defined in claim 25, wherein the deflector is generally circular.
 27. A sprinkler head as defined in claim 25, wherein the cover includes a tab engaging the housing, and the heat-sensitive means includes a lever arm having one end engaging the housing, an intermediate portion engaging the cover, and an opposite end having a fusible connection to a central portion of the cover.
 28. A sprinkler head as defined in claim 27, wherein the fusible connection includes a pin in the cover and fusible material connecting the pin and the lever end.
 29. A sprinkler head as defined in claim 28, including means thermally insulating the pin from the cover to prevent heat transfer from the fusible connection to the cover.
 30. A sprinkler head as defined in claim 27, including a heat gathering disc conductively attached to the fusible connection. 